NEWCASTLE Vipers forward Matus Petricko is revved up to take on his old team Cardiff Devils this weekend as Rob Wilson’s side look to start how they mean to go on in the Elite League.

Vipers open with a double header on home ice and Petricko is delighted to be back on Tyneside after a three-season absence.

Petricko spent a season with the Devils two years ago, and the Slovakian is relishing the challenge of going up against former team mates.

Petricko moved to the Devils as a two-time play-off champion, with Newcastle in 2006 and again with Nottingham in 2007. He also played alongside returning Devils forward Max Birbraer last season in Kazakhstan.

“Cardiff will be a tough test, they have a lot of depth and very good players,” Petricko said.

“There are still some players there from my season with the Devils, so it will be good to catch up – but after the games. Our first business is to get the points on the board.”

Newcastle fans were delighted to see Petricko re-sign this season, but will that mean pressure on the forward to repeat the heroics of 2006?

“You cannot say just because we have players from that season that we will win again,” he said.

“But we have a good squad here this year, and everyone is keen to win as many games as possible and see what that brings.”

Meanwhile, Vipers’ new American blueliner Tyler Kindle has finally picked up international clearance and is free to play against Cardiff.

Coach Wilson has hidden his frustration at the delay over Kindle’s arrival, and looked forward to seeing the player in game action at the weekend.

“Tyler Kindle will look after his own end first, but when we have the puck he will be a creative influence from the back, and particularly on the powerplay where he takes the point position and controls the game,” said Wilson.

“I’m sure Tyler will establish himself as one of the top defencemen in the League and go on to produce great things.”

Tickets are available for the Saturday (6.30pm) and Sunday (5.30) games from the club office in Shakespeare Street, Newcastle, or by phoning (0191) 261 0909.